Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Report: Archer could join Biscuits for playoffs

The Rays may send right-hander Chris Archer, who spent all season at Triple-A Durham, to the Biscuits for the Southern League playoffs so Archer can stay sharp for a potential major league promotion, the Tampa Bay Times reports.

With Jeff Niemann nursing an ailing shoulder and his September availablility questionable and Alex Cobb's rising innings, the Rays want to keep Archer in a throwing routine. Since the Bulls ended their season Monday and the Biscuits are in the playoffs, Archer could return to Montgomery.

Archer finished 7-9 with a 3.66 ERA and an International League-best 139 strikeouts this season. He also made two June starts for Tampa Bay.

The 23-year-old made his final start Sunday (one run in six innings), so he wouldn't throw the opener. Matt Buschmann is scheduled to start Game 1 on Thursday with Kyle Lobstein on Friday and Jake Thompson on Saturday.

Last year, Archer was 8-7 with a 4.42 ERA in 25 starts with the Biscuits and struck out 118 in 134 1/3 innings. He was a midseason Southern League All-Star.